If you believe the best way to connect with a destination is through its food, you’re going to fall in love with Bermuda. From its fresh-caught seafood to its iconic island cocktails, Bermudian cuisine is a delicious reflection of our island’s history, culture, and character.
At Bermudaful Island Tours, we spend our days showing visitors the best our island has to offer on our tours of Bermuda. And as locals with a passion for the place we call home, we know where to find the true flavors of Bermuda. Whether you’re tasting traditional fish chowder, indulging in a local wahoo sandwich, or sipping a perfectly mixed rum swizzle in Bermuda, this island will capture your heart (and your appetite).
Welcome to your ultimate Bermuda food guide — a local’s introduction to the must-try dishes in Bermuda and where to find them. Scroll down to get started, and if you have any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
The Story Behind Bermudian Cuisine
Before we dig in, it helps to understand what makes Bermudian food so special. Influenced by British, African, Portuguese, and Caribbean traditions, Bermuda’s cuisine is a unique blend of comfort and creativity. Fresh local seafood plays a starring role, with wahoo, rockfish, and spiny lobster often featured on menus, while island-grown bananas, cassava, and peas bring color and texture to traditional dishes.
This broad range of influences is also why Afternoon tea is popular here! It’s another unmissable culinary experience, so don’t miss our blog Where to Do Afternoon Tea, Bermuda Style.
The result of all these influences is a food scene that’s simple yet full of character; the kind of cooking that tells a story rich in culture, history, and heritage. But what are the standout dishes and drinks in Bermuda’s culinary scene? Let’s take a look at some of our favorites…
Fish Chowder: Bermuda’s National Dish
If there’s one dish that defines Bermudian cuisine, it’s fish chowder. Often called Bermuda’s national dish, this rich, tomato-based soup is made with white fish, vegetables, and a generous dash of Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers Sauce and Gosling’s Black Seal Rum.
Served hot, hearty, and slightly spicy, fish chowder is the perfect introduction to local flavor. Every Bermudian has their preferred combination of pepper sauce and rum, so feel free to season it to your liking. You’ll find it at local restaurants in Bermuda from Hamilton to St. George’s. It’s a menu staple for good reason.
If you find yourself in beautiful St. George’s, we’ve got more local insights to help you make the most of your time. Simply read our picks for the amazing things to do in St. George’s, Bermuda when you have finished here.
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The Wahoo Sandwich: A Local Bermuda Classic
Next on your Bermuda food guide: the wahoo sandwich, a true island institution. Typically made with fried or grilled wahoo, served on raisin bread or whole-wheat toast, and layered with lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion, and coleslaw, it’s as delicious as it is distinctive.
It’s one of those must-try dishes in Bermuda that everyone has an opinion on. Ask a local where to get the best one, and you’ll likely hear Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy, but half the fun is trying a few and finding your own favorite.
When you book a Full-Island Tour with us, our guides can point you toward their go-to sandwich spots, some of which you’d never find on your own.
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Bermuda’s Traditional Sunday Codfish Breakfast
For many Bermudians, Sunday morning means one thing: codfish breakfast. This traditional meal pairs salted cod with boiled potatoes, egg, banana, avocado, and sometimes tomato or onion sauce. The combination might sound unusual, but together it’s salty, sweet, creamy, and completely satisfying.
You’ll find it at local restaurants in Bermuda like Paraquet Restaurant, Temptations Café, and Divots Bar, Grill & Terrace, usually served only on Sundays. It’s more than breakfast — it’s a beloved island ritual.
If you enjoy this kind of cultural experience, you’ll love our blog Unique Things to Do in Bermuda for First Timers, which explores even more ways to experience the island like a local.
Spiny Lobster in Bermuda: A Seasonal Delight
When lobster season arrives, locals celebrate. Bermuda’s spiny lobster is smaller than the cold-water variety and prized for its sweet, tender tail meat. You’ll find it on menus from September through March, served grilled, baked, or tossed through creamy pasta dishes.
The Lobster Pot in Hamilton and Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio in St. George’s are both great places to try it. If you’re here in season, don’t miss the chance; this is one of those must-try dishes in Bermuda that you can only enjoy for part of the year.
Pair your lobster dinner with a Dark ’n’ Stormy cocktail — the perfect end to a day of exploring with Bermudaful Island Tours. Are you looking for some after-dinner plans? Check out our choices for the best things to do in Bermuda in the evening.
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Hoppin’ John: A Taste of Bermuda’s Heritage
Not every Bermudian dish comes from the sea. Hoppin’ John, made from rice and black-eyed peas, carries the island’s African and Caribbean roots. Simple but deeply flavorful, it’s often served as a side dish or comfort food at family gatherings.
Some chefs are now giving it a modern twist — adding coconut milk or local vegetables — but the essence remains unchanged: hearty, humble, and full of history.
It’s one of the best examples of how Bermudian cuisine blends global influences into something distinctly its own.
Sip the Spirit of Bermuda: The Rum Swizzle & Dark ’n’ Stormy
Bermuda’s drink culture is as distinctive as its cuisine. The rum swizzle in Bermuda is a must-try — a mix of rum, citrus juices, and bitters that’s become the island’s signature cocktail. The Swizzle Inn, said to be its birthplace, is the perfect place to enjoy one while soaking up the friendly island atmosphere.
If you’re thirsty for more information on this iconic drink, read our blog Bermuda’s Rum Swizzle: A National Treasure next!
Then there’s the previously mentioned Dark ’n’ Stormy, made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer. It’s sharp, refreshing, and best enjoyed overlooking the ocean. Between the two, you’ll quickly understand why Bermudians are so proud of their rum traditions.
Tips for Food-Loving Travelers in Bermuda
Looking for more local insights to help you make the most of your Bermuda food adventure? We’ve got you covered!
- Try condiments like Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers Sauce or Bermuda hot mustard — they’re local staples.
- Visit during lobster season if you can. It typically runs from early September to late March.
- Always ask your server what’s freshest that day. It’s a great way to try something new!
- Save Sunday for codfish breakfast — it’s worth the early start.
- And, of course, chat with locals about food. Bermudians love to share their favorite spots!
Combine Food Experiences with Bermuda Island Tours!
From homemade fish chowder to the perfect rum swizzle in Bermuda, every meal here tells part of our island’s story. This Bermuda food guide barely scratches the surface; there are too many flavors, chefs, and traditions to fit into one trip. The only solution? Come back hungry for more!
But now you’ve made a start on your culinary adventures, it’s time to plan Bermuda experiences away from the table. Browse our range of Bermuda island tours and find the perfect fit for your needs. And if you have any pre-booking questions, please just contact us for the answers you need.
